UniversalParksBlog News for June 22nd, 2025
Universal Orlando Resort may have waited longer than usual to provide Halloween details, but that’s in the past.
Now, Universal fans are reveling in the frequent updates about the theme park’s signature event, Halloween Horror Nights.
Over the last few days, we’ve learned about two more Houses, a new thrill ride, and a popular event.
You’ll want to read everything in the latest UniversalParksBlog News update.
I Swear That’s How It’s Spelled
Shipyard 32
Okay, let’s get right to it. Universal Orlando Resort just announced two new Houses, and it did so in splashy fashion for each one.
Let’s start with the artistically named one, El Artista: A Spanish Haunting. Here’s the Instagram post about it.
Universal
Universal describes it like this:
“In 19th-century Spain, a tortured artist moves into an isolated country manor for inspiration, but the art comes alive and possesses him.”
Universal
We also know from a separate post that the artist is named Sergio, and it’s not going to go well for him. Then again, it never does in these Houses.
The big deal here is that it’s obviously the first original concept House announced for Halloween Horror Nights 2025 (HHN).
Image: Universal
Last year, Universal hosted six “original” Houses, some of which were based on previous concepts.
The other four focused on existing horror brands such as Ghostbusters, The Last of Us, and Universal Classic Monsters.
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Presumably, Universal will follow the same pattern this year, as the existing horror brands sell the most tickets.
Since Universal has already announced Houses based on Fallout and Five Nights at Freddy’s, you should expect most future Houses to be originals.
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I’ll make an exception to that in just a minute, but that’s how this year’s event should play out.
That’s only part of the story, though. Universal’s Tribute Store turns ten this year. So, Universal will do something big for it as well.
And then we have our other big House announcement…
Seriously, Learn How to Spell Things
WESH
The second House is called, I kid you not, JASON UN1V3RSE. And I know I sound drunk when you read that.
Here’s a YouTube video showing you that it’s Universal, not me, who chose this nonsense.
At the 41-second mark, there’s the ridiculous spelling, although the people who uploaded the video didn’t get the memo.
Universal
You’ll notice they spelled it the normal human way, Jason Universe, instead. But it’s my problem and I’ll deal with it.
Anyway, the point is that Jason Voorhees is coming to murder you at HHN this year.
Universal
Hilariously, you’ll have to pay for the privilege by buying tickets for the event. It’ll be worth it when you see his chainsaw and hockey mask, though.
Universal is selling the Friday the 13th House this way:
Universal
“Come face to face with the silent killer, Jason Voorhees. Flee through his sinister shack and into the summer camp where his gruesome legend began.”
I’ll just go ahead and spoil you on the fact that nobody who flees through his sinister shack ever lives.
Okay, that’s not true. The Final Girl does, but unless you’re 100% sure that’s you, you may not want to risk it.
The point is that this is the third existing IP House Universal has announced for 2025.
Presumably, there’s only one more left, two at the most. In fact, there’s a possibility that this is it.
So, this year’s anchors are Fallout, Five Nights at Freddie’s, and Friday the 13th. Basically, you’re F’d.
New Ride Alert
While HHN will continue to be the story as Universal rolls through its announcements, we’ve got another huge story this week. Check it out:
Obviously, that’s the trailer for the upcoming Universal Studios Hollywood thrill ride, Fast & Furious Hollywood Drift.
There are some parts of this that are a little bit ridiculous. For starters, the ride carts all look sports cars.
In fact, they’re some of the unforgettable vehicles shown during the infinite number of Fast & Furious movies.
Yes, that includes Dom’s Dodge Charger with 73,000 horsepower. But that’s not why this ride looks great.
Image: Universal
If you pay close attention to the quick in-ride footage, you’ll notice that the cars spin in place.
Folks, that’s the proverbial drift mentioned in the ride’s name. This roller coaster recreates the sensation of drift.
You’ll also feel like you missed a turn and slammed on the brakes about 15 times during the ride.
I’m being cheeky because, as a movie critic, the Fast & Furious franchise was my mortal enemy. Actual dialogue: “You’re a good driver, bro.”
Image: Universal
Still, I have to say that this roller coaster looks HOT, and I cannot wait to ride it.
These are words that literally no one has ever said about Fast & Furious: Supercharged.
Universal Miscellany
Universal
Universal Orlando Resort’s Passholder Appreciation Days will return this summer! Universal will host the event from August 15th through September 30th.
We’re also getting Passholder Nights this year on August 15th and 16th. Universal advertises it as:
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“Don’t miss Passholder Nights presented by Coca-Cola®, an exclusive event at Universal Studios Florida featuring favorite characters, select rides, and more!”
This event was VERY popular in 2024. So, expect large crowds and plenty of fun times to be had at Passholder Nights 2025.
Universal
In a bit more surprising news, CineSational: Symphonic Spectacular has restored the drone part of its show.
You may remember that Universal removed them due to an incident in Florida that raised scrutiny about the potential dangers of malfunctioning drones.
Universal
At Universal Studios Japan, expansion will occur soon at Minion Park. On July 11th, Minion Hachamecha Mission ~Path to the Supervillain~ will debut.
That’s (kind of) the Japanese translation of the ride you and I know as Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast.
And speaking of the Minions, Universal just did something unexpected. The corporation joined Disney in a lawsuit.
Both parties are suing Midjourney, whose AI image generation system has allegedly stolen Disney and Universal IP…like the Minions.
Photo: universal
You can apparently type in a request for a yellow cartoon character, and it’ll return an image of either a Simpsons character or a Minion.
And that’s how two theme park industry competitors wind up working together to sue a small but thriving AI image generation business.
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Feature Photo: Universal
